VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
268hp @ 5000
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
258lb-ft @ 1500
Fuel
24 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
1800lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 while the Volkswagen Tiguan produces 268hp @ 5000. On fuel, the Explorer returns 24 mpg est. while the Tiguan uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $45,155 for the Explorer and $43,085 for the Tiguan. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Ford ExplorerST-Line RWD 2026 - From $45,155
Volkswagen Tiguan2.0T SEL R-Line Turbo 4MOTION 2026 - From $43,085
Performance
Power Output (hp)
300hp @ 5500
268hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
258lb-ft @ 1500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (2025)mpg
22mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29 (2025)mpg
29mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
15.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
184.4in
Width (in)
78.9in
73in
Height (in)
69.6in
66.5in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
109.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4344lbs
7811lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
1800lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Tiguan
Value
Tiguan
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Tiguan
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($43,085)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Explorer or Tiguan?
The Explorer gets 24 mpg est. and the Tiguan gets 26 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Tiguan is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Explorer or Tiguan?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Tiguan delivers 268hp @ 5000 and 258lb-ft @ 1500 of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Tiguan?
The Explorer starts from $45,155 and the Tiguan from $43,085. The Tiguan is cheaper by $2,070 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Tiguan?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Tiguan can tow 1800lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the Tiguan?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.